An alternate tuning is any way of tuning a string instrument other than its standard tuning. On guitar, that means anything other than E–A–D–G–B–E: lowering one string (Drop D), retuning several strings to form a chord (open tuning), tuning to a suspended chord (DADGAD), lowering every string together, or restringing the guitar entirely, as in […]
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A-415
A-415 (also written A=415 or A415) is a reference pitch in which the note A above middle C is tuned to 415 Hz, almost exactly one equal-tempered semitone below the modern standard of 440 Hz. It is known as baroque pitch because it is the usual tuning for performances of 17th- and 18th-century music on […]
A-432
A-432 (also written A=432 or simply 432 Hz tuning) is a reference pitch in which the note A above middle C (A4) is tuned to 432 Hz instead of the international standard of 440 Hz. Every other note moves down with it, so music tuned to A-432 sounds about 32 cents (roughly a third of […]
ADSR
ADSR stands for Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release, the four stages of an envelope generator that shapes how a sound changes from the moment a note starts until it fades to silence. Attack, decay and release are times; sustain is a level. On a synthesizer or sampler, the ADSR envelope most often controls volume (the […]
Auto-Tune
The science and engineering behind Auto-Tune – how Antares’ proprietary software manipulates pitch and timber seamlessly using advanced algorithms and processing.
Audio Engineer
Learn how audio engineers operate audio technology and equipment to record, enhance, edit, mix, reproduce, and refine sound to ensure high-quality audio for creative projects across media formats.
Articulation
Learn all about musical articulation – the techniques that determine how notes are started, shaped, accented, separated or connected. Discover articulation’s role in phrasing.
Accompaniment
Master accompaniment fundamentals like steady pulse, harmonic enhancement, call-and-response phrases, and idiomatic style to elevate any musical ensemble you play in.
Ampere
Ampere definition in simple terms – a unit that measures the rate of electric charge flow. Why audio engineers and music producers need to know amps.
A&R
Learn the past, present and future of A&R – the artist discovery engine within record labels, and its evolution in the digital age.
Audio Engineering
Crafting soundscapes, mastering mixes, and more. Delve into the multifaceted realm of audio engineering.
Allegro
From classical symphonies to modern beats, explore how allegro has shaped the music world. Your guide to understanding this vibrant tempo.
Audio Interface
Unlock your recording potential with the right audio interface. Learn what they are, how they work, and how to select the perfect one for your setup.
ASIO
ASIO, or Audio Stream Input/Output, is an audio driver standard created by Steinberg. It’s used to reduce latency, or the delay time when an audio signal is processed, offering precise timing and control for professional audio recording and editing.
Amplitude
Learn the basics of amplitude, a core concept in audio production that determines loudness and dynamic range. This beginner’s guide covers everything from waveforms to compression.
Arpeggiator
Arpeggiator refers to a music software function or hardware device that takes an input of simultaneous notes and plays them sequentially in a rhythmic pattern, producing an arpeggio effect.
Anti-Aliasing Filter
An anti-aliasing filter is a tool used in signal processing to eliminate aliasing, which is a form of distortion that can occur during the analog-to-digital conversion process. It accomplishes this by filtering out frequencies above the Nyquist frequency before the signal is digitally sampled.
Audio Format Files
An audio file format is a structured method for encoding data for digital storage, specifically tailored to store audio information. This includes technical specifications for how the data is stored, compressed, and accessed.
A/B/Y
A/B/Y comparison is a method used to compare two different options against a third reference alternative. It is often used in music production or live sound engineering to compare different audio processing settings or equipment choices to determine which one sounds better or meets the desired outcome. A/B/Y is a comparison technique widely used in […]
Attenuation
Attenuation refers to that gradual loss of intensity, the reduction of amplitude or superficially put, volume. In fact, it means to reduce or just make quieter.